Several elections have been held over more than past three decades since the downfall of the Shah regime.
The president is elected through a popular vote and presidential elections are each four years and the parliamentary voted is held for a term of five-year in Iran. The lawmakers elected from different regions of the country pass the bills, laws, legislation and monitor the government performance.
The founder of the Islamic Republic had instructed relevant authorities to hold historic referendum as soon as possible.
Some senior official had asked Imam that it was too soon because still the governmental institutions were not ready to hold such a massive nationwide referendum.
There was no hurry to hold an immediate vote as millions of people had declared their support for Imam through holding rallies.
However, Imam demanded all institution to coordinate in order to go ahead with the process.
Imam is always judged by the history as a leader who really promoted Islamic, human and democratic values.
The great leader noted that we want to establish such an Islamic system which would be fully capable of defending the nation's interest.
The great Imam went onto say that the progressive Islamic system will guard and watch all social, material and spiritual interests of the Muslim world and oppressed nation.
It is noteworthy that Imam established a comprehensive Islamic-democratic system following the victory of Islamic Revolution in 1979. The progressive Islamic government brought prosperity and development for the nation in coming years.
Imam Khomeini the founder of the Islamic Republic frequently said that Islam was fully capable of establishing progressive democratic system.
The great leader of the Islamic Republic encouraged the masses and elites to participate in the historic referendum in order to take destiny and fate in their own hands.
The referendum was considered a first step towards a full-fledge democracy in the country.
Imam used to emphasize that Islam is a civilized and progressive religion.
Imam’s historic message in this regard comes as following:
Date: March 24, 1979 [Farvardin 4, 1358 AHS / Rabi ath-Thani 25, 1399 AH]
Place: Qum
Subject: Active participation in the elections
Occasion: Referendum on Islamic republic
Audience: The Iranian nation
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
To all members of this combatant and brave nation, may the Exalted God assist them:
At this crucial juncture in time, when the destiny of our beloved country and Islam will be determined, our beloved fellow citizens should participate in the referendum with greater fervor than before. Today, negligence, nonchalance and lethargy to participate in the referendum, which is a life-enhancing affair, means rendering the martyrs’ blood futile and defiling the country and beloved Islam.
My vigilant friends! The day of the referendum is the time to reap the fruit of the efforts you have taken in several years. At this point, I deem it necessary to mention the participation of the brave and combatant women throughout Iran in the referendum. The women who fought and played a crucial role in the victory of the Islamic Revolution alongside the men, and at times even ahead of them, must take note that their active participation will guarantee further victory for the Iranian nation. Participation in this affair is one of the national and Islamic duties of both men and women. All of you are free to vote for anything you want. I myself will vote for Islamic republic and I want to make a brotherly request of you to assist me in this Islamic affair. It is necessary that the gallant youth thwart the plots and treachery against the casting of votes, and guard ballot boxes as a trust given to them. I implore the Exalted God for the victory of Islam and the preservation of the Islamic country.
Ruhullah al-Musawi al-Khomeini
(Sahifeh-e-Imam, Vol 6, p 359)
Significance of Islamic Republic Day
The 12th of Farvardin 1358, which coincides with the 1st of April 1979, is one of the most important and historical days for Iran.On this day the huge majority of the people of Iran voted for Iran to be an Islamic republic. Iran was a monarchy for 2500 years until this auspicious day, when millions of Iranians voted for an Islamic republic. This day is called the Islamic Republic Day.
On this day the 98.2% of the Iranian people voted for a change in the political system of their country. After enduring years of secular political systems and various monarchies, Iranians voted for a political system which was consistent with the Islamic beliefs. This new political system did not push away religion but rather embraced it.
An Islamic Republic uses the Islamic laws and beliefs to shape its laws, morals and way of life. The literal meaning of a republic is ‘a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president’. Iran is a republic in that it is the people, who voted for this political system, and who vote for the president, ministers and the council, which elects the Supreme Leader. Iran is also Islamic in the sense that it follows all Islamic decrees and rulings and is consistent with the Islamic teachings. These two words, ‘Islamic’ and ‘republic’, are two inseparable words for the Iranian political system today.
By electing an Islamic Republic, Iranians also chose to be free of any unhealthy affiliations and attachments to the West. In addition they voted and fought for the independence of their country. As a result Iran is now an independent country.
The fall of the Pahlavi regime and the victory of the people’s voices brought about many changes in the world and particularly in the Middle East. These changes were not pleasant ones for the colonizers. Many plots to destroy the Iranian political system were planned,such as the eight year war on Iran. Iranians defended their country successfully; however their enemies are still plotting away.
Every year, on the 12th of Farvardin, the Iranian people renew their vows to follow the principles of Imam Khomeini, and to once again promise to finish off the work of their martyrs and to remember the difficulties the martyrs endured for the sake of God and their country.